Florida Festivals and Events
Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA) is a nonprofit statewide membership association serving approximately 760 Florida event organizers, municipalities, nonprofits, and suppliers through an annual convention, awards program, mobile app, supplier directory, and resource library.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1995
- HeadquartersOrlando, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Florida Festivals and Events does
Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA), legally Florida Festivals & Events Association, Inc., is a 501(c)-style nonprofit professional association founded in the mid-1990s and headquartered at 2115 Alameda Avenue, Orlando, Florida. It serves as the statewide membership body for Florida's festival and event industry, connecting approximately 760 member organizations — including municipal event planners, parks and recreation departments, chambers of commerce, nonprofit event producers, and a network of B2B suppliers — that collectively produce roughly 5,500 events annually and represent approximately $30 billion in combined economic impact. The organization operates a hybrid association-management platform built on the Saffire membership management system, including a website (4,000+ monthly visitors), a bi-weekly newsletter reaching 3,000+ subscribers with ~50% open rates, an iOS/Android mobile app with 650+ active users, a Supplier Directory across 50+ vendor categories, an Event Calendar, a Job Board, and a Resource Library of templates and operational guides.
FFEA's commercial engine centers on the annual Convention & Expo — the 32nd edition scheduled for August 4-6, 2026 at the Luminary Hotel in Fort Myers — supplemented by recurring revenue from membership dues, tiered sponsorship packages ($500 to $20,000), exhibitor booth fees ($700-$850), Sunsational Awards application fees ($30-$50 per category), supplier advertising (newsletter, mobile app, web banners, push notifications), and an Entertainment Showcase for performers. The association's core moat is the only statewide community of its kind in Florida, reinforced by a 20+ year awards tradition, 32 consecutive annual conventions, and durable multi-year sponsor relationships with suppliers such as Saffire, Pyrotecnico, Zambelli Fireworks, Complete Ticket Solutions, and Lightning Wireless Solutions. Recent operational activity includes a Resource Library launch in October 2025 and a mobile app revamp in December 2025, alongside a scholarship pipeline with six Florida universities to cultivate emerging event professionals.
The organization operates with a small staff (1-10 employees) under CEO Suzanne Neve, relies heavily on volunteer committees and a board-governance model, and has no disclosed external funding, M&A activity, or geographic expansion beyond Florida. Its product roadmap is focused on deepening digital member engagement (mobile app, resource library, virtual events) rather than expanding into new geographies or adjacent verticals, positioning it as a mature, membership-stable nonprofit with incremental digital-investment-led growth.
Florida Festivals and Events firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Florida Festivals and Events
- Legal name
- Florida Festivals & Events Association, Inc.
- Website
- https://ffea.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1995
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA) is a nonprofit statewide membership association serving approximately 760 Florida event organizers, municipalities, nonprofits, and suppliers through an annual convention, awards program, mobile app, supplier directory, and resource library.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Florida Festivals and Events industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Trade Association Services
- NAICS
- Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events without Facilities (71132), Other Spectator Sports (711219)
- SIC
- Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Professional & Association Conferences (MPAGAGAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Local Community & Multi-Category Fairs (MPAGAFAO)
Keywords
Where Florida Festivals and Events is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Orlando
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Florida Festivals and Events business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: Annual membership fees providing access to member center, resource library, directory, job board, event calendar, newsletters, and networking opportunities.
- Annual Convention & Expo: Registration fees for the 32nd Annual Convention August 4-6, 2026 in Fort Myers. Includes educational sessions, tradeshow, meals, awards luncheon, and networking events. 350+ delegates expected.
- Exhibitor Booth Fees: Exhibitor booth fees at annual convention: $700 for members, $850 for non-members, with additional attendee badges at $450 each.
- Sunsational Awards Applications: Award application fees ranging from $30 (early entry by April 30) to $50 (late entry by June 12). Distinguished Awards nominations are free.
- Sponsorship Packages: Corporate sponsorship packages ranging from $500 to $20,000 offering online marketing, on-site presence, and title sponsorship of various conference areas and programs.
- Supplier Advertising: Advertising opportunities including newsletter display ads ($300/month), advertorials ($500/month), website banners ($250/month), mobile app ads and push notifications ($300/notification).
- Entertainment Showcase Fees: Performance showcase fees for entertainers at convention: Video showcase $150-$250, live roving performance $200-$300, live stage performance $350-$450, plus optional exhibit booth add-on.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Exhibitor booth at annual convention with one attendee included |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Sunsational Awards application fees by submission period |
| Subscription | Monthly | Newsletter advertising options |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Mobile app advertising options |
| Subscription | Monthly | Website content page banner advertising |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Conference sponsorship packages |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Entertainment showcase fees at convention |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Conference hotel accommodation rate |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Florida Festivals and Events product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA) is a statewide nonprofit professional association serving the Florida events industry through member-based networking, education, and recognition programs. It produces the Annual Convention & Trade Show, the Sunsational Awards Program, and various digital resources including a mobile app, event calendar, supplier directory, and job board for event professionals, vendors, and municipalities.
Product overview
Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) operates as a membership-based association management platform serving Florida's events industry. The platform consists of multiple integrated modules including an Event Calendar for member-submitted events, a Supplier Directory with 50+ vendor categories, a Membership App (iOS/Android) with directory and conference features, a Resource Library with templates and educational content, and a Bi-Weekly Newsletter reaching 3,000+ subscribers. The annual Convention & Expo is the flagship offering with 40+ educational sessions, a 70+ exhibitor tradeshow, Entertainment Showcases, Sunsational Awards, and Scholarship Programs. The platform also includes a Job Board, advertising opportunities, and virtual event capabilities via Zoom.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SUNsational Awards Program: Annual awards program recognizing innovation, individuality and creative collaboration among FFEA members in event marketing, programming, service and innovation.
Products and services
- FFEA Mobile App Member-facing mobile application providing access to FFEA resources including an event calendar, member directory, job board, and event registration for event professionals and vendors across Florida.
- FFEA Event Calendar Online calendar listing Florida festivals and events, available to members and the public, supporting event promotion across the state.
- FFEA Supplier Directory Searchable directory of event industry suppliers and vendors that members can use to source products and services for festivals and events.
- FFEA Job Board Online job board where members and event organizations can post and search employment opportunities in the Florida events industry.
- FFEA Bi-Weekly Newsletter Bi-weekly email newsletter providing FFEA members with association news, industry updates, and information on upcoming events and opportunities.
- FFEA Resource Library Online library of educational content, templates, and reference materials developed to support the professional development of Florida event professionals.
- Annual Convention & Trade Show Annual multi-day convention and trade show featuring keynote speakers, behind-the-scenes event tours, educational sessions, an exhibit hall, and the Entertainment Showcase for Florida event professionals and vendors.
- Entertainment Showcase Showcase program held during the Annual Convention where entertainers present to event organizers and buyers to secure bookings for festivals and events.
- Sunsational Awards Program Annual awards program recognizing excellence in Florida festival and event marketing, programming, and operations, open to members and non-members for an application fee.
- FFEA Scholarship Program Scholarship program providing financial support to students and emerging event professionals pursuing education and careers in the festival and events industry.
- Supplier Advertising Program Paid advertising placements offered to supplier members across FFEA newsletters, website, and digital platforms to reach event-organizing buyers.
Quantifiable outcome
- 760 members representing 5,500 events with $30B economic impact annually
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Florida Festivals and Events
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Florida Festivals and Events technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Florida Festivals and Events partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- PyrotecnicocoreAssociation partner providing fireworks and pyrotechnic entertainment services. One of two association-level sponsors supporting FFEA year-round programs and services.
- Zambelli FireworkscoreAssociation partner and 25-year consecutive conference exhibitor. Family-owned fireworks company since 1893 providing pyrotechnic displays nationwide.
- SaffirecoreTitle sponsor and technology partner providing membership management platform. Nationwide company with 25+ partner events in Florida since 1998. Winner of 2018 Supplier of the Year.
- Complete Ticket SolutionsmajorTitle sponsor providing ticketing solutions for events industry.
- Balkum Pro AudiomajorTitle sponsor providing professional audio equipment and services.
- Eastern SecuritymajorTitle sponsor providing security services for events.
- Jeffrey Allen IncmajorTitle sponsor in the events industry.
- Light FX ProsmajorTitle sponsor providing lighting effects and production services.
- Lightning Wireless SolutionsmajorTitle sponsor and 2024 Outstanding Supplier award winner. Provides wireless communications, vehicle tracking, and lighting equipment solutions.
- National RentalsmajorTitle sponsor providing rental equipment for events.
- Event HubmajorOfficial sponsor providing event management and ticketing technology platform. Recommended resource for event budget planning and ROI calculation tools.
- Rico SolutionsminorOfficial sponsor providing consulting services to the events industry.
- Luminary Hotel & Caloosa Sound Convention CentercoreHost venue for the 32nd Annual Convention & Expo, August 4-6, 2026. AAA Four Diamond hotel overlooking the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, FL.
- Florida State UniversityminorUniversity partner receiving student scholarship recipients through the Harvey Franklin Campbell Student Scholarship program.
- University of Central FloridaminorUniversity partner receiving student scholarship recipients through the Harvey Franklin Campbell Student Scholarship program.
- University of FloridaminorUniversity partner receiving student scholarship recipients through the Harvey Franklin Campbell Student Scholarship program.
- Florida International UniversityminorUniversity partner receiving student scholarship recipients through the Harvey Franklin Campbell Student Scholarship program.
- Florida Gulf Coast UniversityminorUniversity partner receiving student scholarship recipients through the Harvey Franklin Campbell Student Scholarship program.
- Florida Atlantic UniversityminorUniversity partner receiving student scholarship recipients through the Harvey Franklin Campbell Student Scholarship program.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Florida Festivals and Events competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Destination International: Destination International is the global trade association for destination marketing and management organizations (DMOs/CVBs), many of which are FFEA members. It shares FFEA's association model and overlapping member base of tourism/event organizations.
- Meeting Professionals International (MPI): MPI is the largest meeting and event industry association worldwide, offering education, networking, and certification to meeting and event professionals. It mirrors FFEA's professional association model but focuses on meetings/conventions rather than festivals.
- Event Industry Council (EIC): EIC is the umbrella trade organization for the events industry, providing certification (CMP), research, and advocacy, comparable to FFEA as an industry association serving event professionals but with a national/international rather than state-level scope.
- International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA): IFEA is the international umbrella organization for festival and event professionals, directly comparable to FFEA in mission (supporting festival/event industry professionals through networking, education, and recognition) but operating at a global rather than state level.
- International Live Events Association (ILEA): ILEA is a global association for live event professionals offering networking, education, and certification, directly paralleling FFEA's association model but serving the broader live events industry rather than festivals specifically.
- International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE): IAEE represents the exhibitions and events industry globally, offering education, advocacy, and the CEM certification program. Comparable to FFEA as an industry association serving event/exhibition professionals, with broader scope including trade shows.
Broad incumbents
- Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA): PCMA serves business events and convention management professionals globally with education and networking programs. Comparable to FFEA in operating an association for event professionals but focused on conventions/business events rather than community festivals.
- ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership: ASAE is the umbrella organization for trade and professional associations themselves, providing resources, benchmarking, and certification to association executives. Comparable to FFEA in operating an association structure but as a meta-association serving associations across all industries.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Florida Festivals and Events social profiles
Digital presenceFlorida Festivals and Events financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Florida Festivals and Events leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Florida Festivals and Events funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Florida Festivals and Events M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Florida Festivals and Events
What does Florida Festivals and Events do?
Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA) is a statewide nonprofit professional association serving the Florida events industry through member-based networking, education, and recognition programs. It produces the Annual Convention & Trade Show, the Sunsational Awards Program, and various digital resources including a mobile app, event calendar, supplier directory, and job board for event professionals, vendors, and municipalities.
Is Florida Festivals and Events a public or private company?
Florida Festivals and Events is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Florida Festivals and Events founded?
Florida Festivals and Events was founded in 1995. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Florida Festivals and Events based?
Florida Festivals and Events is headquartered in Orlando, United States, in the North America region.
How does Florida Festivals and Events make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are annual Convention & Expo, exhibitor Booth Fees, sunsational Awards Applications, sponsorship Packages, supplier Advertising and entertainment Showcase Fees.
Who are Florida Festivals and Events's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Destination International, Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Event Industry Council (EIC), International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA), International Live Events Association (ILEA) and International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). Broad incumbents are Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership.
Does Florida Festivals and Events have an API?
No public API is recorded for Florida Festivals and Events.
What industry is Florida Festivals and Events in?
Florida Festivals and Events's product category is Trade Association Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAGAGAB, Professional & Association Conferences, with a secondary code of MPAGAFAO, Local Community & Multi-Category Fairs. Its NAICS code is 71132 and its SIC code is 7990.